Automakers Fast-Track Ethanol Use

USA Today is reporting that auto rivals General Motors and Ford Motor both have announced plans to team with energy companies on projects that could make so-called E85 a mainstream fuel instead of a boutique rarity.

E85 is 85 percent ethanol, which is alcohol usually made from Midwest corn, and 15 percent gasoline.

Hoping to capitalize on the recent buzz over using homegrown alcohol fuel instead of gasoline, the automakers announced -- within hours of each other -- at the Chicago Auto Show plans to boost the number of E85 outlets. Only 500 of 180,000 U.S. stations sell E85 now.